Latest

Not to be Missed Wines

Our wine buyer and Master of Wine, Keith Isaac, is on his way to gold card status thanks to the air miles he’s built up visiting wineries around the world in recent months. This makes him more qualified than ever to select a concise and considered list of not to be missed wines on our stand (D36) for those short of time at the fair.

France: Some described the 2016 frosts in Burgundy as devastating and unlike anything they had ever seen, likewise when mildew hit it was sporadic and impactful for all the wrong reasons. So, it’s important to know which villages were less affected and still able to produce great wines that year. Monthélie is one such village and the Patriarche Père et Fils Monthélie 2016 is one such example.

Spain: Ribera del Deuro has not yet had its day because the overly, and sometimes clumsy, ripe fruit bombs that the region got known for are absent from this stylish producer. The wines of Jose Antonio Carrasco are powerful, yes, but considered and elegant as well. Don’t leave the fair without trying his Abadia de Acon Reserva 2012.

Argentina: Malbec continues to create profit for all our customers, but some can lack in style and substance. Siete Fincas Malbec 2017 from Mendoza punches above its weight in price, style and flavour. From a small family producer who keeps tight control on the ripeness and quality of fruit; they are able to ensure the production of concentrated and impactful wines.

South Africa: For quality, well presented Chenin Blanc look no further than Xenna Chenin Blanc from Annex Kloof. Made by Hugo Basson the self proclaimed King of SA Malbec he makes some pretty good Chenin too.

Named as one of the five must have South African regions for your wine list by Tim Atkin MW, Keith has also long been a fan of the outstanding quality being produced in cool climate Elgin. The new vintages of Oak Valleys outstanding top wines have arrived and will be available to taste for the first time: Groenlandberg Chardonnay 2018 and Groenlandberg Pinot Noir 2018.